Barcelona legend Xavi ‘tempted’ by Man Utd project amid Ruben Amorim sack talk - Could he bring Marcus Rashford back with him as on-loan outcast gets Ballon d’Or billing?

There is no role to be filled at present, but Amorim is - in the eyes of many - clinging onto his job with Premier League heavyweights. He is yet to reach the 50-game mark in the most demanding of posts, but could see his tenure cut brutally short. Success with Sporting in his native Portugal has not been replicated in England. The axe could fall in Manchester if no reversal in fortune is delivered.

Former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate is said to be registering on the recruitment radar at Old Trafford, having been out of the coaching game since stepping down as Three Lions boss after Euro 2024. It has also been suggested that United could look to a club icon - such as Michael Carrick or Roy Keane - to steady the ship on an interim basis.

Mendieta believes that Xavi would come into the picture given the work that he oversaw at Barcelona between 2021 and 2024, having previously impressed in Qatar with Al Sadd. Ex-Blaugrana midfielder Mendieta told OLBG: “I think if it's the right project, he will be tempted. Who doesn't want to coach in the Premier League? Who would not want to coach Manchester United, even if it's in a difficult time?

“He won trophies at Barca during a very peculiar period of history of the club and he changed that. Of course, he doesn't know Manchester United as he knows Barca, but he's been there, he knows that, he's capable of doing those things. So if the project seems right to him, I'm sure he will take it. He's been preparing himself already, waiting for the chance to come. I know he's had a few options to go and coach, but it wasn't the right project.

“I think for a coach like him, it's the project that matters, not only the history and the club. A lot of people were hesitant in his move to Barca because he had only been in Qatar. People thought he wasn't ready, then he won the league and the Super Cup in his first season. I think football has changed a lot. The coaches and players tend to adapt. It's at an incredibly high level and it's a lot faster because people are more prepared. There's more tools out there for coaches to gain an understanding, knowing what's happening at other clubs and with other players. He has his own platforms to understand and analyze situations. So wherever he goes, which could be Man United, he'll be prepared for the job he takes for sure.”

If Xavi were to take the reins in Manchester, he may look to absorb Marcus Rashford back into his plans. The England international is currently taking in a loan spell at Barcelona, with that deal including an option to buy. He remains under contract with the Red Devils, though, and Mendieta believes that the 27-year-old forward remains a Ballon d’Or-contending talent.

The ex-Spain international, who spent time in England with Middlesbrough in his playing days, added: “When we are speaking about ability, Marcus Rashford does have what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or. On paper, Rashford is a great signing for Barca. Obviously we know the talent that he has, the potential that he has, the things that he is able to do. The question mark was, is he going to be able to do that and how often is he able to do that? I think so far he has impressed a lot of people.

“Barca has been a difficult place for some other great players that have joined the club. But I think so far he's doing great. He's adapted to the position, he's adapted to the club. I think he's certainly adapted to the city as well, which I think is very difficult. He has already scored and is getting assists. I think he has also become important with set pieces and overall, he’s doing great.

“Rashford could be better or could be as good as anyone. Now it’s about being in a different stage of his career with a different club and he’s started very well, but the season is young. There are many games, many things to be decided. The second part of the season is the most important when it comes to winning trophies, but we hope Barca will be there in the Champions League and in La Liga. He's been important in the team and if they do win trophies, I don't see a reason why he can’t be on that list. There's no question about what he can do, we know the ability and the skills that he has. It's up to him to deliver what everyone knows he can do.”

Rashford has registered two goals and five assists for Barcelona this season. He will hope to have done enough to figure again for England when Thomas Tuchel names his squad for an upcoming friendly date with Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia.